Geneva Hop On Hop Off Tour: Open Bus & Mini Train

Three Geneva routes: bus past Jet d'Eau, train through Old Town, summer loop around Botanical Garden

A hop-on-hop-off sightseeing pass in Geneva lets you ride an open-top bus through the International District and along Lake Geneva, take a mini train through the Old Town's tight streets, and access a Parks & Residences route in summer. The red bus and both trains run every 45 minutes from fixed stops; you board when you arrive and get off wherever you want. Audio commentary plays in English, Spanish, French or German. Children from age 4 ride; strollers fold and stow aboard.

The Experience

The main route runs by open-top bus from Place Dorcière, the central bus station. You'll pass the Jet d'Eau, Geneva's iconic water fountain, the Broken Chair sculpture, and the Palais des Nations in the International District, with a five-minute photo stop at the United Nations Office. The bus circles back along the left bank and lakeside, so you can hop off at any stop to explore on foot — the Flower Clock in the Bastions Park, St. Peter's Cathedral in the Old Town, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum — then catch the next bus when you're ready to move on.

The Old Town mini train departs from Quai des Bergues, in front of the Four Seasons Hotel, and winds through the narrow medieval streets where the bus cannot go. A separate Parks & Residences train runs in summer from Quai du Mont-Blanc, near the Beau-Rivage Hotel, and stops at the Botanical Garden if you want to get out and walk. All three routes run every 45 minutes, so there's no need to plan around a schedule — you board when you arrive at a stop.

The bus is open to the air, so bring a jacket or rain gear; the tour doesn't cancel in wet weather. Infants ride free on an adult's lap; children from age 4 need a ticket. Strollers fold up and fit inside the bus and trains. If a departure is full, you'll board the next one. Audio commentary is included in your choice of language.

What’s included

• Red open-top bus through the International District and along Lake Geneva.
• mini train through Geneva's Old Town narrow streets.
• Parks & Residences mini train route in summer.
• audio commentary in English, Spanish, French or German.
• hop-on-hop-off access at all stops with 45-minute intervals.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Swisstours Transport

Is this one for you?Choose this pass if you want to set your own pace across Geneva's spread-out landmarks — the bus and trains run often enough that you can hop off to walk the Bastions Park or St. Peter's Cathedral, then catch the next departure without waiting long. It suits travelers who prefer to explore on their own time rather than follow a fixed itinerary.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the bus route and the mini train routes?

The red bus covers the International District and lakeside on a longer loop with stops at major landmarks like the Jet d'Eau and Palais des Nations. The Old Town mini train takes narrow medieval streets the bus cannot access. The Parks & Residences train, available in summer, circles the botanical areas near the lake.

How often do the bus and trains depart?

All three routes — the red bus, the Old Town train and the Parks & Residences train — run every 45 minutes from their respective stops, so you don't need to plan around a fixed schedule.

Can I get off the bus or train whenever I want?

Yes. You can hop off at any stop to explore on foot, then board the next available bus or train to continue. If a departure is full, you'll be seated on the following one.

What languages does the audio guide offer?

The audio commentary is available in English, Spanish, French and German. You choose your language when you board.

Can I bring a stroller or pram on the bus and trains?

Yes. Strollers and prams fold and fit inside the bus and trains. Infants can also ride on an adult's lap. Children from age 4 need their own ticket.

What happens if it rains?

The tour runs in rain; the bus is open-air, so dress for the weather. The tour is not canceled for rain.